Date: April 10, 2009
To: Professor Rivers
From: Group 2
Subject: Group 2 Activity Report – Week 13
Again we have had another productive week that has aided us in making progress towards the completion of our white paper on wind turbines. This week, our group started off the week by discussing the feedback left by our instructor in regards to our proposal. After going over the feedback, it was clear that we needed to have a more precise audience in mind while crafting our white paper. Instead of our white paper targeting just about anyone, we have decided to focus on contractors. In particular, these will be contractors who are looking to make a choice between different wind turbines to provide their customers with a potential source of renewable energy. Changing the targeted audience also allowed us to change the purpose of our white paper. Before, our white paper had very little purpose other than it was going to be a collection of random facts. After discussing potential purposes of our white paper, it was decided to create one that allowed our customers to choose amongst several different wind turbines. This paper will cover the technical aspects of wind turbines. It will cover topics such as methods of conversion and efficiency ratings. It is our hopes that this white paper will in turn give its audience the ability to compare the technical aspects of wind turbines and allow them to make a decision that will benefit not just them but also their customers.
Another accomplishment for this week was the dividing of our research. We decided that it would be in our best interest to break the research into parts in order to conduct it in the most efficient method possible. Ben will be researching the problems associated with the problems associated with the current power options. It will also discuss the need for an alternative method of power. Young will be in charge of researching a solution to this problem. Brian will be in charge of researching the technology that can be used to provide a solution. Bobby will then be in charge of finding the performance information associated with this technology.
Also this week, we finalized the work assignments for this project. After deciding on who would be doing what, Brian created and submitted a Gantt chart that depicted our work assignments. With the completion of this we are confident that we will be able to successfully complete our white paper.
Feedback: Group 2 Week 13 Activity Report
Glad to hear that the group is moving forward! I think the changes you have made to your original proposal will serve you well. I also like that you acknowledge the multiple benefits of picking a more specific audience. Narrowing the audience allows you to develop a more specific purpose, which allows you have a more focused research plan. Investigating both technical specifications and energy ratings will allow the primary audience (contractors) to effectively communicate with secondary audiences (customers).